Apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like

• US 6,267,688 B1
• Filed: 08/11/1999
• Issued: 07/31/2001
• Est. Priority Date: 08/11/1999
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Alan J. Morelli Sr
• Original Assignee: Alan J. Morelli Sr
• Inventors: Morelli, Alan J. Sr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Graham, Mark S.
• Application Number:
  US09/372,131
• Time in Patent Office: 720 Days
• Field of Search: 473/175, 473/176, 473/177, 473/178, 473/179, 473/405, 473/492, 473/174, 522/98
• US Class Current: 473/179
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/357 for golf cups or holes, e.g. flags
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/40 Golf cups or holes
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 57/50 specially adapted for course maintenance
• CPC Class Codes: A63B 71/028 Floor sockets for removable poles

Abstract

An apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like is disclosed, designed as a system and method by which holes in natural or synthetic playing surfaces can be created and then covered when not in use. The present invention comprises an hollow, cylindrical insert. One end of the insert is open. Holes are located on the other end to allow water to pass out of the insert. The insert is placed permanently into the ground at a location where a hole is desired by pressing the insert into a hole created by a standard auger tool. A pointed protrusion keeps the insert from rotating once the insert is placed in the ground. The insert is designed to be used as a golf cup on a green or with stanchion supports for other sporting equipment that may be used with soccer, baseball, football, and the like. A flat, circular cap screws into the top of the insert. The cap has a covering of synthetic grass which matches the surrounding surface area. The cap is screwed onto and off of the insert via cap rotation means.

Claims

1. An apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens comprising:

an insert, said insert being of a generally linearly elongated, cylindrical, hollow configuration, with one end of said insert open and the other end generally closed;

internal threads, said internal threads located on the upper, interior circumferential surface of said insert, near the open end of said insert;

a plurality of insert holes, said insert holes located on the generally closed end of said insert and designed to allow water to pass out of the insert;

at least one pointed protrusion, said pointed protrusion being of a generally flat, rectangular configuration, with a knife edge;

a cap, said cap being of a generally flat, round configuration, said cap releasably securing to the top portion of said insert;

external threads said external threads located on said cap'"'"'s exterior circumferential surface, and designed to mate with said internal threads on said insert; and

synthetic grass, said synthetic grass covering the top surface of said cap.

2. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said insert is configured so that by removing said cap from said insert, stanchions may be inserted into said insert.

3. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said insert is configured so that by removing said cap from said insert, said insert may be used as a traditional golf cup.

4. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said apparatus and method for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens and the like further comprises:

cap rotation means, said cap rotation means designed to screw said cap on and off of said insert.

5. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens of claim 4, wherein said cap rotation means is two holes located on the top of said cap designed and located for use with a “

T-wrench.”

6. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said cap is constructed of a material selected from the group comprising rubber, plastic and metal.

7. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said insert is constructed of a material selected from the group comprising rubber, plastic and metal.

8. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein the thickness and density of the synthetic grass is designed to mimic the surrounding surface.

9. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said pointed protrusion is designed so as to prohibit the insert from rotating once said insert is placed in the ground.

10. The apparatus for the creation and covering of holes on golf greens described in claim 1, wherein said pointed protrusion is located on the bottom of said insert.